Lawyers Commercial

Hahahaha Q: What is the difference between a lawyer and a bucket of pond scum? A: The Bucket!

Hahahaha Q: Do you know how to save a drowning lawyer? A: Take your foot off his head

Hahahaha Q: If you are stranded on a desert island with a lawyer, Adolf Hitler and Osama Bin Laden and you have a gun with only two bullets, what do you do? A: Shoot the lawyer twice!

Do you need a lawyer? You hit another car in a parking lot. Your insurance agent indicates that the company will pay for bodily injury and property damage

Do you need a lawyer? You borrow a friend’s car without his knowledge, and he reports it to the police as stolen

Do you need a lawyer? You buy a new stereo for $300. One month later, the receiver and speakers blow out. You return to the store and the salespersons tell you they are sorry, but their stereos have only a two-week guarantee.

Do you need a lawyer? You decide to trade in your old car and buy a new one

Do you need a lawyer? Two friends are caught robbing a local store and they name you as the one who helped plan the robbery

Do you need a lawyer? The principal suspends you from school for two days because of an article you wrote for the student paper criticizing the school dress code

Do you need a lawyer? You are turned down when you apply for a job. You think you were rejected because you are deaf.

Do you need a lawyer? You do not want your family to inherit the $10,000 you have saved. Told you will die within a year, you want the money to be used for cancer research.

Do you need a lawyer? You and your spouse find you can no longer get along. You want a divorce

Do you need a lawyer? You earn $5,000 working in a restaurant during the year. You want to file your federal income tax return.

So, what are they good for? Attorney: One who is legally appointed to transact business on another’s behalf Common legal issues: – Buying or Selling a home or other real estate – Organizing a Business – Changing your family status – Making a will/Planning an estate – Signing a Contract – Handling Accidents – Defending a Criminal Charge – Bringing a Lawsuit

Credentials Lawyers must pass a test in order to become a member of the State Bar Association – Known as the “Bar Exam” – Violation of the standards of conduct will result in disbarment.

$Fees$ Many lawyers will allow for a free consultation A retainer is a down payment on the total fee. – Most charge by the hour, include court costs and filing fees Contingency Fee: A percentage of what the client wins in the case Most common for person injury Normally about 1/3 of amount awarded to client

Attorney-Client Privilege Any information told to your attorney is confidential – Even after death Wral Article

I’ve been wronged! Clients with problems will report to the State Bar Association. Legal Malpractice: Lawyers are sued by clients for serious errors Disputes are handled by official panels which issue opinions

Most lawyers do not go to court! They meet with clients at their office, write paperwork etc. – Litigators: lawyers that do go to court

“Pro Bono”=Free Public Defenders: Defend those charged with crimes that cannot afford a lawyer Legal Aid: Provide other legal services for those without a lot of money – Most work for private practice!!!